In September 2001, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wendy Steele founded Impact100 with the goal of building philanthropy in her community. The original notion: Impact100 would consist of at least 100 women members, each annually contributing $1,000. These funds would be pooled and donated as transformational grants of no less than $100,000 to non-profit organisations. By early 2002, Impact100, Inc. had acquired their non-profit status.

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They made their first grant of $123,000 to CincySmiles, a dental clinic serving the homeless population of Cincinnati. In January 2003, People Magazine published a story about Impact100, highlighting their success in effective local philanthropy. After the article was featured, Wendy’s model began to flourish across the country and into Australia and the United Kingdom.  

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The Global Day of Impact on 3 November will celebrate 21 years of Impact100 with 60 chapters worldwide and more than $US105 million that been donated to local community groups. 

 

Wakatipu is the first chapter in New Zealand, and about to enter its forth year in 2023.

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